Chris was going into 2013 with freshman eligibility even though he was a part of the 2010 recruiting class (one that included Tommy Rees & Prince Shembo). Chris was an early enrollee in the spring of 2010, but then he left ND to follow his heart and his soul on a two year Mormon mission.

There were rumors after his mission that he would end up at BYU, but Chris did return to the Irish in 2012. He spent most of last year getting back into football shape and took a redshirt as he didn't see any playing time.

Badger was in the mix at safety this past spring, but he saw himself sliding down the depth chart as fall camp continued. There are possibly other outside issues surrounding his departure, but he leaves Notre Dame on very good terms with the university, the program, and Brian Kelly.

Badger will have to sit out the 2013 season per NCAA rules. Good luck to Chris in the future!

Here are some other notes from the Brian Kelly presser yesterday:

Ronnie Stanley is back on the field and is the starting right tackle.

Ronnie Stanley (concussion) practiced yesterday, is listed as starter at right tackle on first depth chart.

A couple of other notable starters: Jaylon Smith (freshman) will start at the DOG linebacker spot that was occupied by Danny Spond, and Austin Collinsworth will start at safety with Elijah Shumate also seeing snaps at that safety spot as safety 1b.

Couple of interesting tidbits from today's notes .. Jaylon Smith likely to be 1st freshman LB to start season opener since Kory Minor in '95

And so now, it is Wednesday. College Football starts for real tomorrow night, and we as Irish fans are longing for Saturday to come soon so that the stench of the BCSNCG and a weird offseason can be gone from our recent thoughts.